Windows XP SP2 RC1

On Wednesday Microsoft announced that it released Windows XP Service Pack (SP) 2 Release Candidate (RC) 1 to testers. For full details, please see the SP2 RC1 Fact Sheet. Jon Box and I had the opportunity to work on the training course for developers that you'll want to take a look at as well.

Microsoft also kicked off a technical preview program that will provide many developers with the first opportunity to download SP2 for evaluation. Previously, developers had access to online training and other background information about the potential impact of SP2, but many did not have the actual SP2 bits.

Information about the Technical Preview Program:
Additionally, in an effort to encourage even broader IT customer testing of Windows XP Service Pack 2, Microsoft is launching the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Technical Preview Program. As part of the program, Windows XP SP2 RC1 is scheduled be available for download through a new TechNet portal at http://www.microsoft.com/sp2preview as of Friday, March 19. The portal will also provide access to a variety of SP2 supporting materials, as well as to newsgroups devoted to the sharing of information regarding the testing of Windows XP SP2. The objective of the program is to encourage broader testing among Microsoft’s corporate IT Windows XP customers and to allow those customers to prepare for deployment. While Microsoft encourages IT testing of Windows XP SP2 RC1, the company does not recommend using the Windows XP Technical Preview code in a production environment, nor does it recommend use of this code by consumers.